Our local airliners need to keep their employees under constant check at all times
KARACHI: On 22nd May, Pakistan faced a catastrophe with the crash of flight PK8303. Upon hearing the infamous “Mayday! Mayday!” by PIA captain Sajjad Gul, we as a nation understand the stress pilots are facing. Pilots are constantly under pressure which results in physical, mental and psychological strain. This not only affects their mental health but is also a safety hazard for travelers.
The incidents like the recent crash tarnish the reputation not only of the airliner but also of the country, apart from affecting the lives of families. For the sake of Pakistan’s reputation and the safety of its people, airlines must adopt measures whereby they are fully aware of the mental stress their pilots are facing by conducting detailed psychometric evaluations, which is a necessary process for pilots in all international carriers.
Our local airliners need to keep their employees under constant check at all times. Amid the pandemic, the stress level of citizens has sky-rocketed. Therefore, all crew members should be put under psychological analysis before they are allowed to board the plane. On the other hand, all other industries within the country that can potentially risk the lives of people need to adhere to strict psychological evaluation.
Jamil Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2020.
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